Ravens signing makes Jadeveon Clowney reunion look much less likely

The Baltimore Ravens continued to fill out their 90-man roster this week by signing former University of North Carolina pass rusher Kaimon Rucker as an undrafted free agent. It wasn’t a headline-grabbing move on its face, but it may have sent a loud message to a specific player who was also recently playing in North Carolina... only in the NFL.

Rucker joins a crowded edge rusher room at a time when speculation continues to swirl around a potential Jadeveon Clowney reunion. After his release from the Panthers, Clowney openly acknowledged he still wants to play—and Ravens fans haven’t forgotten how good he looked in 2023 wearing purple and black. Naturally, the idea of bringing him back gained a lot of traction.

But maybe the Ravens aren’t as eager for that reunion as some hoped.

Ravens’ pass rush depth could leave no room for Jadeveon Clowney return

If the Ravens were desperate for outside help, they wouldn’t be placing their bets on a UDFA coming off a leg fracture. But this is general manager Eric DeCosta and head coach John Harbaugh we’re talking about. They look for value everywhere.

Look at the depth chart: Odafe Oweh just posted double-digit sacks and is playing like a former first-round pick again. Rookie Mike Green is the real deal and could start making noise Week 1. Tavius Robinson turned heads in Year 2 with a strong finish, and David Ojabo—now healthy and under international roster exemption status—is out of excuses. Kyle Van Noy is still around as the reliable veteran, too.

So where would Clowney fit? More importantly, whose reps would he take?

Rucker might be a long shot, but he’s no afterthought. He racked up 22 sacks at UNC, including 14.5 in his final two seasons, and he plays with the kind of motor the Ravens covet. Had it not been for a fractured fibula and quiet pre-draft process, he likely would’ve been a Day 3 pick. The Athletic's Dane Brugler gave him a sixth-round grade and ranked him as the No. 29 edge rusher in this class.

If Baltimore thought they needed Clowney, they probably would’ve already picked up the phone. Instead, they’re doubling down on their youth movement—and adding another developmental edge to the mix.

Maybe Clowney still comes back. Maybe there’s room for one more veteran. Rucker is not taking his roster spot by any means. But with him now in the building and the rotation as deep as ever, it sure looks like the Ravens believe they’ve already got what they need to dominate in 2025.